VehicleVerdict

2023 Nissan Pathfinder problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder sits mid-pack among Pathfinder years: 147 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 125, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (26), fuel system (22), and electrical system (21), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

147

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Pathfinder years?

Pathfinder NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted1,560 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 31 complaints1988: 17 complaints1989: 19 complaints1990: 44 complaints1991: 49 complaints1992: 38 complaints1993: 67 complaints1994: 108 complaints1995: 218 complaints1996: 214 complaints1997: 293 complaints1998: 194 complaints1999: 144 complaints2000: 166 complaints2001: 299 complaints2002: 206 complaints2003: 147 complaints2004: 86 complaints2005: 1,560 complaints2006: 1,224 complaints2007: 846 complaints2008: 458 complaints2009: 51 complaints2010: 61 complaints2011: 59 complaints2012: 35 complaints2013: 1,208 complaints2014: 747 complaints2015: 432 complaints2016: 128 complaints2017: 253 complaints2018: 121 complaints2019: 119 complaints2020: 74 complaints2022: 195 complaints2023: 147 complaints2024: 114 complaints2025: 74 complaints2026: 8 complaints
Pathfinder NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Pathfinder years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Nissan Pathfinder problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other2618%
Fuel System2215%
Electrical System2114%
Brakes1913%
Driver Assistance1812%
Engine1410%
Transmission117%
Visibility & Wipers64%
Seats32%
Airbags21%
Seat Belts21%
Speed Control21%
Lighting11%

Does the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V268000SeatsApril 13, 2023 · 12,400 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 Rogue, Pathfinder, and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The driver's powered seat may not be fully secured to the seat frame, causing the seat frame welds to detach from the rear inboard seat bracket.

Consequence

An unsecured seat with broken welds may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the driver's seat rail clearance, and if necessary, replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 10, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC966, PC967.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Brand new 2023 pathfinder shuts off while driving. Car will turn off completely on the highway, while getting close to a light or trying to park. Once car is restarted it turns on again fine. One time the car did go crazy on the panel and it was fuzzy. The dealer has checked the car 3 times and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 23, 2023 · crash

“Last July I felt jerking after accelerating on highway and decided to go in for service and found fuel injectors were the issues which these were replaced. Then again after 3 months now feeling jerking again and shaking after accelerating. There is no warning light appearing as I feel it. After…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 14, 2023

“Forward warning system dashboard light goes on and does not shut off. Module has been replaced at a cost of $2500 and this has not solved the problem. Light has gone off with a chime alarm and yellow triangle with an exclamation point too. We were told we needed to get it fixed as soon as possible…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 17, 2025

“I was informed of a need to replace worn rear brake pads and rotors due to excessive wear after just over 19,000 miles. Being treated as a wear item despite the fact that the issue is common and known by the manufacturer as an issue. After almost 3 years no recall has been done. Thankfully this was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 10, 2025

“The contact owned a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at 17 MPH at night, he failed to see a trailer ahead on the road and rear-ended the trailer. The air bag warning light was illuminated before the collision. The contact stated that the trailer’s brake lights were…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 24, 2025 · crash

2023 Nissan Pathfinder — common questions

Is the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

It is close to typical for the Pathfinder: 147 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2023 Pathfinder problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (26 complaints), fuel system (22 complaints), electrical system (21 complaints).

Does the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Pathfinder years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pathfinder years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2013, 2007, 2014, 2008, 2015, 2001, 1997, 2017, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2022, 1998, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Pathfinder years belongs to 1986.

How safe is the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.